West Indies captain Jason Holder hopes Michael Holding’s passionate words about longstanding racism can bring about “systemic equality”.
Jason Holder. (Reuters Photo)
West Indies skipper Jason Holder on Thursday said that he saw Michael Holding’s speech on racism and it had a huge impact on him.
Earlier on Wednesday, Holding had said the society has not gotten over the problem of racism yet and it’s important to acknowledge that Black lives matter in the current climate. The documentary and the subsequent interaction with Holding was aired in the lead up to the first Test between England and West Indies in Southampton on Wednesday.
“I saw the interview with Mikey and I felt in my veins. It was powerful, he hit the nail on the head and was spot on. Credit must be given to him and I want to thank him personally for that,” Holder said while speaking to Sky Sports Cricket during day two of the first Test between England and West Indies.
“Hopefully the message he sent out can be viewed by all so people can understand and we get the systemic equality we are looking for.
“There is a bigger picture than sport sometimes and we need to have a level playing field for everyone. It’s for us to come together a lot more – to educate ourselves and try to solve issues that we have.”
However, Holding feels that Holder doesn’t need to thank him and he wants the West Indies to take the baton and keep on running with it in life and sports.
“I don’t think you need to thank me, Jason – you guys need to take the baton and keep on running with it. You have a lot of years ahead of you – not just in the sport. It’s about life and teaching people around you,” Holding replied to Holder.
“When you finish sport, you still have to go back into society. Outside of the sporting arenas, that’s where we need equality.”
